Advanced Breast Lump Removal Surgery

What happens in Breast Lump Removal Surgery?

Diagnosis

During the consultation with the doctor, he/she will perform a physical examination to identify the lump. The doctor will ask about the symptoms you have been having recently and what kind of changes you’ve noticed lately in the shape, size, or texture of each breast.

For an accurate diagnosis, the doctor is likely to recommend a series of tests to identify the problem and rule out the possibility of breast cancer.

The following tests are recommended to detect the lumps in the breast tissues.

• Mammogram– In this test, an image of the breast is obtained to observe the changes in the breast tissues.
• Ultrasound Test– This test is done to look beneath the surface of the breasts with the help of high-frequency sound waves.
• MRI Scan– It helps to identify the lump in the breasts by creating high-contrast images of the soft tissues.
• Biopsy Testing– In a biopsy, a sample of the breast tissues is taken from the lump to observe it closely. This can be done using different techniques, such as-

1. Fine-Needle Aspiration– A needle is used to take a fluid sample from the breast lump.
2. Core Needle Biopsy– The sample of the tissue or fluid in the lump is taken with the help of a bigger needle with the help of ultrasound.
3. Stereotactic Biopsy– The sample is taken using a needle, and a mammogram is used at the same time to take images of the lump from various angles.

The results of these tests help a doctor to determine the severity of the condition along with the right method for breast lump removal.

Procedure

Depending on the type of breast lump, the doctor will have to use different techniques to remove it. Usually, the doctor places a metal marker or clip around the lump. Before starting the procedure, you will change into a hospital gown and be given either general or local anesthesia.

• The procedure starts by locating the lump to identify the right spot for the incision.
  If there is an abscess in the breast, the doctor will drain it using a fine needle and lance it using a scalpel.
• If there is a solid mass in the breast, the surgeon will use an excisional biopsy or lumpectomy (complete or partial). It involves making an incision around the breast crease or nipples to access the internal structures. The lump is excised using a scalpel. A small layer of healthy tissues is also removed to ensure that the lump is removed completely.
• In case there are multiple lumps present in the breast, mastectomy is performed. There are newer techniques available to perform mastectomy that also preserve the breast skin and maintain a natural breast appearance after the procedure. It involves the removal of the tissues by using a scalpel.
• Once the entire lump is removed, the incision is closed with the help of stitches, and bandages are placed over it.

The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis and as an inpatient procedure. You are likely to get discharged on the same day. However, if there are some risks or potential complications, the doctor may prolong the hospital stay. You will get discharged once the doctor ensures that your health is fine.

Risks & Complications

During The Surgery

The risks during breast surgery are similar to any other procedure. It includes-

• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia

Post-Surgery Complications

• Blood clots may start to form after the surgery due to prolonged inactivity.
• Delayed healing of the wound due to a compromised immune system.
• Infections can also happen after the surgery if proper hygiene is not maintained.
• Poor results or scarring after the surgery.
• Numbness or tingling sensation around the surgical site that persists longer.
• Swelling or bruising in the surgical site.

What to expect after the surgery?

Immediately after the procedure, you will be kept in the recovery room to check your vitals. Once you wake up and the effects of anesthesia wear off, you may feel slight pain and discomfort at the surgical site.

The entire recovery will take place at home. Thus, the surgeon will prepare a guide for you that consists of instructions to follow for a faster and smoother recovery. There will be bruising and swelling around the surgical site, which will take time to disappear. The doctor will prescribe medications for pain and inflammation and to reduce the risk of infections after the surgery.

When should you undergo surgery?

You should consider undergoing breast lump removal surgery if-

• You find a new lump in the breasts that is thickening gradually.
• There is a change in the size, shape, and appearance of the breasts.
• Breast pain that persists for a longer period of time
• You notice skin changes, such as itchiness or redness around the breasts
• There are changes in the nipple, such as excoriation or scaling.
• There is a clear or bloody discharge from the nipple.

Other Options for Breast Lump Removal

There are different causes and types of breast lumps, and each one of them can be treated through surgery and non-surgical methods. The non-surgical treatment methods involve the following- 

• For fibrocystic breast changes, the doctor may recommend taking birth control pills to maintain the hormonal imbalance and reduce the fluid buildup. 
• In the case of fibroadenomas, the doctor may recommend using an alternative birth control method. 
• For a cyst that appears as a lump, fine needle aspiration may be a suitable method to draw out the fluid. 
• If the lump is due to mastitis, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic medicines or over-the-counter pain medications for relief.

For other causes of breast lumps, including hyperplasia, adenosis, intraductal papilloma, lipoma, or calcification, surgery may be needed.

Recovery & Results After Breast Lump Removal

The recovery period after breast lump removal depends on the type of procedure and your overall health. Generally, the recovery will take around one month or less if you follow the doctor’s advice strictly. Make sure that you pay attention to your health, eat healthy foods, and keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent post-surgery complications.

Before the surgery, the lump can be felt clearly. But after the procedure, the lump will no longer exist. The shape and size of the breast are also likely to be affected due to the surgery.

Case Study

Ms. Shivani Negi (name changed) contacted Pristyn Care to get treatment from Dr. Nibedita Parida. She had a complaint regarding a lump in her breasts. Dr. Nibedita performed a physical examination and also suggested some diagnostic tests to identify the type of breast lump.

It was found that Ms. Shivani had a fibroadenoma. The doctor scheduled surgery two days later. The breast lump was removed successfully through excision, and the breast tissues were preserved. It took only 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the surgery. After surgery, Ms. Shivani was transferred to the observation room and kept there for two hours. Later on, she was transferred to the recovery room and got discharged on the same day.

Her follow-ups were scheduled 10 days after the surgery and then 15 days later. Ms. Shivani followed all the instructions given by the doctor for post-op care, and she recovered very quickly. She was very happy with the results of the surgery as the lump was no longer noticeable or could be felt.

Breast Lump Surgery Cost In India

The cost of breast lump surgery in India starts from Rs. 30,000 and can go up to Rs. 60,000 on average. This is only an estimated cost that will be different for each patient. This is so because the cost of treatment depends on the following factors-

Type of the lump

• Size and the number of lumps in the breast
• The technique used for lump removal
• Doctor’s and anesthetist’s fees
• Diagnostics and evaluations of the lump
• Prescribed medications

Post-op care and follow-up consultations

Consult with best plastic surgeon at Pristyn Care and get cost estimate of Breast Lump.